Forget the heat this summer and escape to your National Library to discover something new. We’re open every day except Christmas Day. 

Our much-loved Treasures Gallery re-opens with a fresh look and feel, showcasing must-see highlights from the Library’s collections. Stock up on summer reads at our Bookshop. Book early for our popular school holiday craft activities. And, while you’re here, enjoy breakfast or lunch, coffee and cakes at Bookplate café. Both indoor and outdoor dining spaces in beautiful surrounds are available. 

Our 2026 events program kicks off in February with author Susannah Fullerton discussing her new book Great Writers & the Cats Who Owned Them. We also welcome Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud bringing their new show Live in Interesting Places to the Library’s heritage theatre. 

Check our summer opening hours to plan your visit.

Program

Treasures Gallery re-opening

13 December | 9:00am - 5:00pm daily except Christmas Day | Free entry

Our new Treasures Gallery exhibition explores the story of the Library, its collections and answers the frequently asked visitor question, where are the books? While there is plenty on display for the literary buff, including pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio and a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, the Gallery goes beyond books. Other highlights include a tactile map of Australia embossed with Braille script from 1889; phrenologist and fortune-teller Zinga Lee’s fortune telling cards; images from the nation’s photo album, including those captured during recent Library collecting projects; and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive. 

School holiday activity: Our Treasures, your treasures

28 January | 10:30am and 2:00pm | $10

Step into the magic of the refreshed Treasures Gallery and create your own keepsake box to store or display your personal treasures. This hands-on craft activity is suitable for children aged 6 to 10 years.

Bookshop

Open every day except Christmas Day | 9:00am - 5:00pm

For the best in Australian literature and unique gifts. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide recommendations and advice. Browse instore or online.

Bookplate cafe

Open every day except Christmas Day | Varied opening hours

Relax with friends or savour a quiet moment with refreshments at Bookplate. Enquiries for private functions are welcome. Check opening hours and reserve a table.

Author talk: Great Writers & the Cats Who Owned Them

5 February | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Free

Throughout history, famous writers have loved and been inspired by their cats. Author and expert Susannah Fullerton explores notable literary felines in her latest book.

Live in interesting places with Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud

15 February | 2:00pm | $75-$129

After years of friendship and a shared obsession with architecture and design, Kevin and Tim are taking their banter and big ideas on the road. True to form, they’re doing it in some very interesting places – including the Library’s heritage theatre. 

1975: Living in the Seventies

Exhibition open daily except Christmas Day | 9:00am - 5:00pm | Free entry

1975 was a year of transition. Music, art, fashion, literature and film transformed the way we saw the world, while protest and political upheaval changed society.  This exhibition delves into the Library’s collections to examine what it was really like to live in the seventies. The exhibition can now be toured online.

Media enquiries

Lauren Conron, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

Phone: 0401 226 697

Email: media@nla.gov.au